Why Do I Have Panic Attacks?

Do you experience palpitations or accelerated heart during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience trembling during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience sensations of shortness of breath during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience feelings of choking during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience chest pain or discomfort during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience nausea or abdominal distress during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you feel dizzy, unsteady, or faint during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience chills or heat sensations during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience numbness during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience fear of losing control during recurrent panic attacks?

Do you experience fear of dying during recurrent panic attacks?

Has at least one of the panic attacks been followed by 1 month (or more) of one or both of the following? 1. Persistent worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences 2. A maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks (e.g., avoidance of exercise or unfamiliar situations)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a significant problem related to panic attacks. You may feel anxious or you may panic from time to time, but that is nothing to be concerned about. It’s normal to panic in some situations, and we all have moments of anxiety. Besides, panic attacks may be caused by the effects of a drug or medication. As long as the attacks do not affect your life and are not continuous, there is no need to worry. What can help to feel calmer is practicing breathing exercises, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Yoga and Pilates may be useful as well.

You are displaying some signs related to panic disorder. Panic attacks usually occur because of a misinterpretation of physical symptoms of anxiety. For example, heart palpitations may be mistaken for a heart attack. Such misinterpretations, that may happen unconsciously, may trigger a panic attack. If someone experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and often live in a constant fear of future attacks, the person may deal with panic disorder. Panic attacks can also be triggered by drugs or medication, and they are related to several other mental health disorders such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have panic disorder. It may be important to seek medical attention. Panic attacks may happen because of a misinterpretation of physical symptoms, but they can also be caused by medication and drugs. Besides, panic attacks can happen in other mental disorders such as social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. To determine the underlying condition for your panic attacks, your doctor will do several exams. Even if you are not diagnosed with a panic disorder, treatment can still be beneficial to manage your attacks and to improve quality of life.